Using the Prevent-Teach-Reinforce Model to Reduce Problem Behaviors in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Université de Montréal

Status: Completed

Conditions: Child Development Disorders, Pervasive

Treatments: Behavioral: Prevent-Teach-Reinforce Model; Other: Individual Parent Training Session

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02153203

CERFAS-2014-15-058-P

Details and patient eligibility

About

Children with autism spectrum disorders often engage in problem behaviors such as self-injury, destruction, aggression, and stereotypy. Prior research has clearly shown that these problem behaviors may interfere with learning, daily functioning, and social participation. As such, engaging in problem behaviors has a negative impact on the health and quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. One promising solution to reduce problem behaviors in this population is the Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) model, which relies on the evidence-based practices of positive behavior support. Although the use of PTR has been gaining considerably support in schools, the model has never been evaluated as part of a rigorous large-scale study using parents as interventionists. Thus, the purpose of the project is to conduct an assessment of the effectiveness of a home-based version of the PTR model in reducing problem behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders and in improving families' quality of life. Our hypotheses are that implementing the PTR will (a) produce larger reductions in problem behaviors than participating in an individual parent training session, (b) increase engagement in prosocial behaviors, (c) decrease parental stress, and (c) improve the quality of life of the family. The results of the study will allow an examination of whether PTR is an effective and acceptable model to reduce problem behaviors at home in this population. Given that problem behaviors incur high societal costs when they persist into adolescence and adulthood, the study may potentially lead to large cost reductions in the treatment of difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorders. By reducing engagement in problem behaviors, the implementation of the model may also promote and facilitate the social participation as well as improve the quality of life and health of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

Enrollment: 42 patients

Sex: All

Ages: Under 12 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
• Must exhibit problem behavior

Exclusion criteria

• Already receiving services to reduce problem behaviors at home

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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42 participants in 2 patient groups

Behavioral approach

Experimental group

Description:

The Prevent-Teach-Reinforce Model will be implemented with families in their home settings.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Prevent-Teach-Reinforce Model

Educational approach

Active Comparator group

Description:

Each child's parent will participate in one 2- to 3-hour individual parent training session on the assessment and treatment of problem behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders.

Treatment:

Other: Individual Parent Training Session